A hike in Kam Shan Country Park

Tucked away in the hills behind northwestern Kowloon and Sha Tin, the dense jungle terrain of Kam Shan Country Park is an oasis for young explorers. Having earned the nickname ‘Monkey Hill’ on account of its large population of wild monkeys, a day out here is sure to get the kids excited. Several nature and family trails cater to all ages and showcase the very best of the region’s scenery and diverse wildlife. For more intrepid explorers, intense hiking and mountain bike trails lead out of Kam Shan. 

Getting there

One superb aspect of Kam Shan Country Park is its close proximity to the city. Bus number 81 runs from Nathan Road to Shek Lei Pui Reservoir stop or if you’re coming by car, head along Tai Po Road towards Kowloon Reservoir. From here, you can drive right into the heart of the country park. Keep your windows firmly closed or else you may incur a few extra passengers – especially if you have food! 

Monkey etiquette 

Soon after arriving, you’ll invariably be confronted by tribes of Rhesus Macaques – lots of them. There are signs at the park entrance spelling out the dos and don’ts with regards to the monkeys. You’re not supposed to feed the animals, but some people do. As a result, the monkeys will approach you, if you have food it’s advisable to keep your snacks well hidden. The monkeys are great fun to watch and can be extremely photogenic. 

Read more: Where to hike this January

History of the monkeys

Although the Rhesus species is native to Hong Kong, the macaques found today are believed to have been reintroduced. During the construction of the Kowloon Reservoir in 1910, the apes were deployed to the surrounding areas in order to combat the spread of a fruit that tainted the water supply. They roam in large numbers and enjoy remnants left by picnickers along Tai Po Road. 

The hike

From the entrance to Kam Shan Country Park, follow the concrete access road into the woods and then across the dam wall. There are several possible routes from here but most kids find a walk up to ‘Monkey Mountain’ most enticing. 

Follow the path up the hill for twenty minutes or so until you reach a picnic area which is usually bustling with macaques. The monkeys here are a little less feisty than those on Tai Po Road and seeing them in their natural treetop habitat is a delight. There are also plenty of wild boars in the area. Along the way, the Kam Shan Family Trail makes for a pleasant detour. 

When you’re ready, head back down the way you came until you’re back at the reservoir. Kids will also love the Kam Shan Tree Walk which is another excellent detour. This consists of a well-signposted circular pathway encompassing Shek Lei Pui. Many different types of flora and fauna are labelled along the way. For those who wish to head further afield, extensive networks of mountain bike trails run out of Kowloon Reservoir. If you’re a keen hiker up and for an adventure, follow the Maclehose Trail eastwards towards Lion Rock. Now, that’s a different animal altogether – and a whole other article. 

How to spot a Rhesus Macaque?
There are a number of Rhesus Macaques species, all of which derive from either China or India. Rhesus Macaques are pale brown or gray in colour and usually have a pink face. Their faces are furless and bright red, adults also have bright red rears. Rhesus Macaques are mostly herbivorous and feed on fruit, seeds, roots, and bark.